Bethune Point Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bethune Point Park is a beautiful public park located in the city of New Smyrna Beach, Florida.


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Summary

This 3.2-acre park is situated on the waterfront, offering visitors stunning views of the Indian River Lagoon and the New Smyrna Beach Bridge.

There are many great reasons to visit Bethune Point Park, including its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and numerous recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding on the lagoon, as well as hiking, biking, and picnicking on the park's walking trails and picnic areas.

One of the most notable points of interest at Bethune Point Park is the Mary McLeod Bethune Historical Home, which is situated on the southern end of the park. This historic home was the residence of the renowned civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune, who founded the National Council of Negro Women and played a key role in the civil rights movement. The home has been restored and is now a museum open to the public.

Another interesting feature of Bethune Point Park is its artificial reef system, which was created to provide habitat for marine life. The reefs are located just offshore from the park and are a popular spot for fishing and snorkeling.

The best time of year to visit Bethune Point Park is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. However, the park is open year-round and can be enjoyed in any season.

In conclusion, Bethune Point Park is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting New Smyrna Beach, Florida. With its stunning views, abundant wildlife, and rich history, it offers something for everyone.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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